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Business Insurance Trends From Strive Insurance
The business insurance world is changing at a fast pace. Technology is continually evolving and businesses must change or die. New technology also brings change in claims and litigation. Often lawsuits filed today are indicators of business liability claims tomorrow.Business Insurance
Business or commercial insurance coverage is available for almost every conceivable risk your business might face. The cost and amount of coverage of policies vary among insurers.  Also the type of business you are in also impacts cost and coverage.  You should discuss your specific business risks and the types of insurance available for your business with us.

Future Business Insurance Risks

Intellectual Property
This is one of the fastest growing areas of litigation. The average defense cost in 2013 was over $500,000. With more information being disrupted over the internet, claims are sure to increase. Intellectual property insurance coverage protects companies for copyright, trademark or patent infringement, and claims arising out of the company's operation.

Healthcare Professional Liability
As we move well into healthcare reform, we are seeing increased litigation focused on medical providers of all kinds. In 2012, litigation against OB/GYN doctors accounted for over $3.5 billion in claims. Many states have enhanced medical malpractice laws designed to speed up and compensate injured patients.

Cyber attacks
Recent news that Russian cyber thieves stole billions of passwords should create heightened awareness about the risks and need for cyber insurance. The problem, Munich Re explains, stems from the fact that “most traditional property and liability policies provide no cover for cyber risks” although there still may be a duty to defend until such time as coverage is determined.

Social Media
Social media is becoming popular with many businesses, and this increases the liability risks. The combination of personal use and business use combined with privacy laws increases the risk to business of being sued by employees and other third parties. There is definite increased risk of defamation, libel and slander for firms who don’t outsource the service.
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Directors & Officers Liability
Most business owners don’t believe they can or will be sued despite statistics that show otherwise. The latest number by Chubb Insurance Company shows that about 20% of firms have been sued for directors and officers negligence. Claims can be made by shareholders, regulators, family members, customers, vendors and competitors.
As an Independent Insurance Agency we represent many insurance companies to fit your businesses dynamic needs.  Whether you're a new business or a small business, we can help. Being an Independent Agent means we are not only your agent, but we are your insurance broker as well.  We understand every business and industry is unique, so we will work with you to find the best business insurance coverage at the lowest rate. Contact us today for a free quote.

A business Insurance Update
If your business has sales increased during the holiday you are most likely in the market for part time workers. For the most part, you will not need to modify your business insurance, but if you add new classifications or payroll, it may affect your workers’ compensation insurance.  Now might be a good time to have us complete a review of all your business insurance policies.
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Here are few tips to help you manage seasonal employees

• Make sure seasonal employees get the same training as all other employees.
• Conduct background screenings on seasonal candidates.
• Unless the job requires it, it is not a good idea to give seasonal employees access to computers or other secure information.
• Don’t allow seasonal employees to work alone.
• Remember the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to properly classify workers, pay the legal minimum wage, and pay overtime if applicable.
• Seasonal employees should also read and sign the employee handbook.
• Your business is legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage, as most fair-employment laws cover seasonal employees.
• If you notice cliques or bad habits forming, don’t assume that they will self-correct.
• Employers with 15 or more employees are subject to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal and state employment laws. This means your seasonal employees, just like your regular workforce, must receive adequate training on what conduct is illegal, how to report it, and how to request a reasonable accommodation.
• Maintain a detailed account of where each employee works, the kinds of tasks they are assigned, number of hours completed, and their rate of pay.
• When it is time to end the seasonal employment, follow the same procedures as you would with a full-time or permanent employee.

​Insurance coverage made easy. When it comes to buying your insurance, you have options.  You can go to a captive insurance agent, an agent that represents one company, or you can go to an independent insurance agent that represents many companies.  Strive Insurance Group, Inc. (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance Agency, Inc) is a full-service independent insurance agency representing many insurance companies.  This means that we shop many different insurance companies to obtain the best rate and coverage for your insurance.  We do this at no additional fee or service charge to you.  Simply put, our goal is to find you the best coverage and rate for your auto, home, business, or life insurance.  Whether you need a business insurance quote or an auto insurance quote, we can help.  To obtain an insurance quote, click on the tab and enter your information into the form.  If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to contact one of our insurance agents
 

Stop Porch Pirates This Holiday Season
The holiday season is filled with fun, parties, food, gift, overeating and unfortunately some risk. One of the fasted growing risks for many people is stolen packages by porch pirates. According to proopertycasualtiy360, over 26 million packages are stolen during the holiday season. Need more bad news?
Your homeowners or renter’s insurance generally may not cover this loss as it tends to be under your deductible. There could be coverage if you have personal property off premises insurance. Also for theft coverage to apply generally, you need proof of loss by a broker indoor, etc. Call our office for a review of your homeowner’s insurance, as each policy is unique to your circumstances.

Things To Do

• Delivery confirmation is a good way to prove the package was delivered.
• Thieves will follow delivery trucks, waiting for the perfect target.
• These thieves commonly strike during working hours as many homes are empty at that time.
• You can insure your packages.
• Consider having a person there when the delivery is scheduled.
• Install a security camera.

High Tech Solutions
There are a few high tech solutions to consider.

• Landport or BoxLock provides a delivery box on your porch that has an electronic lock.
• Amazon Key, which has a fairly simple premise: When a delivery arrives at your house, and you’re not home, the courier scans a barcode that sends a request to Amazon’s cloud. If it’s approved Amazon remotely unlocks your door and starts recording video through the online retailer’s Cloud Cam.
• Install a front door camera. Many shippers will not replace the item with this kind of device.

What To Do If A Package Is Stolen

• Track your package. Check the delivery confirmation and tracking number.
• Make sure a neighbor did not pick it up for you.
• Contact the seller. Different retailers have different policies and processes for handling stolen items, but usually, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement item.
• File a claim with the shipping company.
• Check your Credit Cards for Purchase Protection.

​Insurance coverage made easy. When it comes to buying your insurance, you have options.  You can go to a captive insurance agent, an agent that represents one company, or you can go to an independent insurance agent that represents many companies.  Strive Insurance Group, Inc. (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance Agency, Inc) is a full-service independent insurance agency representing many insurance companies.  This means that we shop many different insurance companies to obtain the best rate and coverage for your insurance.  We do this at no additional fee or service charge to you.  Simply put, our goal is to find you the best coverage and rate for your auto, home, business, or life insurance.  Whether you need a business insurance quote or an auto insurance quote, we can help.  To obtain an insurance quote, click on the tab and enter your information into the form.  If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to contact one of our insurance agents